The Johannesburg home of an international businessman has been perfectly expressed to suit his passion for African art and his love of entertaining. Designed by local architecture firm Cimato Moroldo Architects, its interiors were brought to life by leading Cape Town-based interior studio ARRCC, with contemporary furniture and objets d’art by design studio OKHA. Photography by Elsa Young.

Says ARRCC director Mark Rielly, ‘This house had to be as multi‐functional as possible, so that it could adapt to family holidays, feasts with friends, and more formal moments when hosting executive guests.’ Mark and his team achieved this by maintaining an uncluttered thread throughout the five‐bedroom home, while linking spaces that could be used simultaneously.
The double‐volume entrance, reached by way of a concrete bridge placed over a welcoming water feature, is encased in dark grey walls on the exterior, providing a cocoon‐like enclosure to lead one into the glass‐fronted doorway. Once inside, the stark contrast of white surfaces and light‐filled spaces offers a switch in perception. ‘The move from dark walls to expansive, open spaces created an indoor environment that allowed us to give breathing space to the owner’s impressive art collection and introduce very specific furniture pieces that have their own voice within this space,’ Mark explains. ‘The home is almost gallery‐like, while still maintaining the casual comfort of a living environment.’
The simple, graphic wooden screen that runs along the entrance hall, offers a peek into the living areas beyond, with the ground floor holding the dining room, bar, cinema, formal lounge, family room and kitchen. Pops of greenery from the garden and patio beyond can be appreciated from this entrance, the screen being both a separation and a link to the open‐plan home. ‘It was inspired by the work of Japanese architect Kengo Kuma,’ explains Mark of the screen, ‘and adheres to the interior’s philosophy of natural, simple, bold elegance.’
The brass‐clad Solar Mirror designed by Adam Court of OKHA greets one in this space. Its reference to the cosmos that connects the universe adds to the welcoming visual language.